Accusing the previous TMC government of changing West Bengal’s demographic composition by “encouraging infiltration,” Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Friday said the Census was “extremely necessary” and should not be linked to politics.
“Because of the Census, a large number of Bangladeshis have already fled the country, as you can clearly see. At this moment, those who are being held in various holding centres will not be able to produce the necessary and valid documents,” the chief minister said at a press conference after chairing a meeting on the first phase of the Census at the state secretariat, Nabanna.
The chief minister said the survey will begin from August 1 and will continue till February next year.
Accusing the previous TMC government of delaying the Census in the state, Adhikari said, “The previous government did not start the Census process for political reasons. The then chief secretary was also waiting for a political concurrence. Because the previous government did not undertake any Census-related work, other states have moved much further ahead while we have fallen behind.”
The chief minister dismissed fears and questions surrounding the enumeration process.
“The Census has no connection with politics. It is a Constitutional obligation… There is no reason for the legitimate citizens of this country or state to be afraid,” he said, urging people to cooperate with officials to ensure the smooth conduct of the enumeration process.
Laying out the schedule of the Census process in the survey, the chief minister said that for the first time, the entire Census process will be conducted digitally.
According to the CM, the first phase of self-enumeration will continue until August 15, during which ordinary residents can self-enumerate online.
To ensure that there is no confusion or problems arising among the general people regarding the Census, special helpline numbers and a website are being launched by the state and the Centre. The nationwide toll-free number that will remain active is 1855. In addition, a landline number is also being launched: 033-2335 9503. For any information, citizens can directly visit the official website: http://www.westbengal.census.gov.in.
Adhikari said Census Director Rashmi Komal would oversee the entire exercise in the state.
Government employees engaged in the enumeration process will collect data using a dedicated mobile app and upload the information directly to a central server.